Bowl-shaped container

ABSTRACT

A container that facilitates the removal of frozen contents is provided and includes an integrated body that has an outer wall portion having a top perimeter, a center projection having an inner wall portion and a substantially horizontal flat portion, and a base providing a connection between the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion. A distance from a bottom portion of the base to the top perimeter is substantially the same as a distance from the bottom portion of the base to a top of the substantially horizontal flat portion.

ORIGIN

The innovation disclosed herein relates to a bowl-shaped container and more specifically, to a bowl-shaped container that includes a raised middle portion that forces the contents of the container toward outer side walls of the container.

BACKGROUND

Conventional ice cream containers have a flat bottom that makes it difficult to scoop the ice cream in a circular fashion to obtain a well-shaped scoop of ice cream for an ice cream cone. Once the ice cream disposed against a perimeter of the ice cream container is gone, one must scoop across the middle of the container and, thus, may not obtain enough ice cream to form the well-shaped ice cream scoop.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview of the innovation. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the innovation. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the innovation in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In an aspect of the innovation a container is disclosed that includes an integrated body that has an outer wall portion having a top perimeter, a center projection having an inner wall portion and a substantially horizontal flat portion, and a base providing a connection between the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion. The distance from a bottom portion of the base to the top perimeter is substantially the same as a distance from the bottom portion of the base to a top of the substantially horizontal flat portion.

In another aspect of the innovation a frozen content container is disclosed that includes a ring that facilitates a scooping motion for frozen contents including an outer wall portion having a top perimeter, a center projection having an inner wall portion, and a base providing a connection between the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion. The ring transitions from the top perimeter through the outer wall portion, through the base and to a top of the center projection and a distance from a bottom portion of the base to the top perimeter is substantially the same as a distance from the bottom portion of the base to a top of the center projection.

To accomplish the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the innovation can be employed and the subject innovation is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the innovation will become apparent from the following detailed description of the innovation when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of an innovative container in accordance with the innovation

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the innovative container of FIG. 1 in accordance with the innovation.

FIG. 2A is a plan view of another example embodiment of an innovative container in accordance with the innovation.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of another example embodiment of an innovative ice cream container in accordance with the innovation.

FIG. 2C is a top view of the innovative container of FIG. 2B in accordance with the innovation.

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of another example embodiment of an innovative ice cream container in accordance with the innovation.

FIG. 2E is a cross-section view of the innovative container of FIG. 2D in accordance with the innovation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of an innovative container in accordance with the innovation

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the innovative container of FIG. 3 in accordance with the innovation.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustration of a method of scooping frozen contents from the innovative container disclosed herein in accordance with the innovation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the innovation.

While specific characteristics are described herein (e.g., thickness), it is to be understood that the features, functions and benefits of the innovation can employ characteristics that vary from those described herein. These alternatives are to be included within the scope of the innovation and claims appended hereto.

With reference now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 are a top perspective and side view of one example embodiment of an innovative container 100 (e.g., ice cream container) in accordance with an aspect of the innovation. The container 100 is configured to facilitate the removal (e.g., scooping) of a semi-rigid frozen food substance, such as but not limited to, ice cream, yogurt, sherbet, etc. (hereinafter “ice cream” for purposes of simplicity and description). More specifically, as will be explained in more detail below, the configuration of the container 100 forces the contents of the container 100 outward toward the perimeter of the container 100. Thus, the contents can be removed (e.g., scooped) in a movement, such as but not limited to circular, around the perimeter of the container 100, affectionately referred to as “Around the World” scooping or “Scooping Around the World.” This movement facilitates the formation of a “perfect” or well-shaped (e.g., sphere shaped) scoop for dispensing in a cone or another container.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 100 includes a body 110 and a lid 150 adapted to fit on the body 110 to thereby cover the contents disposed in the body 110. The container 100 may be made of a suitable material, such as but not limited to, plastic, metal, plastic coated paperboard, etc. The container 100 illustrated in the figures has a circular shape, but may also have an oval shape, a rectangular shape having rounded corners, etc. In addition, in one example embodiment, the container 100 may have a shorter and more flattened profile that has a volume to contain approximately a pint of ice cream. In another example embodiment, the profile may have a different shape (e.g., taller, larger/smaller diameter, etc.) to and have a volume to contain more or less than a pint of ice cream. Thus, the example embodiment illustrated in the figures is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the innovation.

The body 110 is an integrally formed unit that includes an outer wall portion 112, a center projection 114 centrally disposed in the body 110, and a base portion 116 that connects the outer wall portion 112 to the center projection 114. The outer wall portion 112 includes a top perimeter 118 that receives the lid 150. The top perimeter 118 may have a lip 120 to facilitate the attachment of the lid 150 to the body 110.

The center projection 114 has a circular cross section and includes an inner wall portion 122, a top 123 having a substantially horizontal flat portion 124, and a transition point 126 connecting the inner wall portion 122 and the flat portion 124. The center projection 114 has a height substantially the same as a height of the body 110 such that the flat portion 124 is in contact with the lid 150 when the lid 150 is placed on the body 110, as will be described and illustrated further below. In addition, the center projection 114 is formed such that a ring 128 is formed on an interior of the body 110 and a cavity 130 is formed on an exterior of the body 110.

In an alternative embodiment of a container 100A illustrated in FIG. 2A, the center projection 114A may have more of a rounded top 123A. In this embodiment, the rounded top 123A contacts the lid 150 when the lid 150 is placed on the body 110, as will be described and illustrated further below.

As an option, the cavity 130 may be enclosed with a planar portion 132 disposed on a bottom exterior portion 134 of the body 110. The planar portion 132 may be an integrated portion of the body 110 or may be a separate piece that attaches to the bottom exterior portion 134 of the base portion 116. The planar portion 132 may have a similar shape as the body 110 described above. In other words, the planar portion 132 may have a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape having rounded corners, etc.

In regards to the ring 128, the formation of the outer wall portion 112, the base 116, and the inner wall portion 122 form the ring 128. The ring 128 creates the circular movement, which facilitates the formation of a “perfect” or well-shaped (e.g., sphere shaped) ice cream scoop for dispensing in an ice cream cone or another container. In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ring 128 has a semi-circular continuous arc like cross-section that starts at the perimeter 118 of the outer wall portion 112. The transition continues through the outer wall portion 112, the base portion 116, and through the inner wall portion 122 to the transition point 126 between the inner wall portion 122 and the flat portion 124.

As shown in FIG. 2, the outer wall portion 112 has a height ‘H’ defined as a distance from the bottom exterior portion 134 of the base portion 116 to the perimeter 120 of the outer wall portion 112. In addition, the center projection has a height ‘h’ that is defined as a distance from the bottom exterior portion 134 of the base portion 116 to a top of the flat portion 124. In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the height ‘H’ is substantially the same as the height ‘h’.

The lid 150 is configured to cover the contents disposed in the body 110 and has a generally same shape as the body 110. That is the lid 150 may have a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape having rounded corners, etc. The lid 150 includes a lip 152 that engages the lip 120 on the perimeter 118 of the body 110 to secure the lid 150 to the body 110. When the lid 150 is attached to the top of the body 110, an inside surface 154 of the lid 150 contacts the flat portion 124 of the center projection 114. Thus, the flat portion 124 and the lid are substantially parallel to each other when the lid 150 is attached to the body 110.

As mentioned above, the container may have alternative shapes, such as but not limited to, an oval shape, a rectangular shape having rounded corners, etc. For example, FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate an alternative embodiment of a container 100B that has an oval shape. As such, the center projection 114B, the base portion 116B, and the ring, 128B all have a similar oval shape.

FIGS. 2D and 2E illustrate yet another alternative embodiment of a container 100D that has more of a rectangular shape that includes an outer wall portion 112D having have more of a flat side 133D that may or may not be angled. The flat side 133D forms a rounded corner 135D with the base portion 116D. Thus, the cross section of the ring 128D in this example embodiment has an asymmetrical shape.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are a top perspective and side view of another example embodiment of an innovative container 300 (e.g., ice cream container) in accordance with an aspect of the innovation. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the exception of the shape of the outer wall portion and the center projection and hence, the ring, as will be described. Thus, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 demonstrates that the container described herein can have multiple shapes. Therefore, the example embodiments described herein and illustrated in the figures is not intended to the limit the scope of the invention, but rather demonstrates that the container can have multiple shapes.

Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the container 300 includes a body 310 and a lid 350 adapted to fit on the body 310 to thereby cover the contents disposed in the body 310. The container 300 may be made of a suitable material, such as but not limited to, plastic, metal, plastic coated paperboard, etc. The container 300 illustrated in the figures has a circular shape, but may also have an oval shape, a rectangular shape having rounded corners, etc. Thus, the example embodiment illustrated in the figures is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the innovation.

The body 310 is an integrally formed unit that includes an outer wall portion 312, a center projection 314 centrally disposed in the body 310, and a base portion 316 that connects the outer wall portion 312 to the center projection 314. The outer wall portion 312 includes a top perimeter 318 that receives the lid 350. The top perimeter 318 may have a lip 320 to facilitate the attachment of the lid 350 to the body 310.

The center projection 314 has a circular cross section and includes an inner wall portion 322, a top 323 having a substantially horizontal flat portion 324, and a transition point 326 connecting the inner wall portion 322 and the flat portion 324. The center projection 314 has a height substantially the same as a height of the body 310 such that the flat portion 324 is in contact with the lid 350 when the lid 350 is placed on the body 310. In addition, the center projection 314 is formed such that a ring 328 is formed on an interior of the body 310 and a cavity 330 is formed on an exterior of the body 310.

As an option, the cavity 330 may be enclosed with a planar portion 332 disposed on a bottom exterior portion 334 of the body 310. The planar portion 332 may be an integrated portion of the body 310 or may be a separate piece that attaches to the bottom exterior portion 334 of the base portion 316. The planar portion 332 may have a similar shape as the body 310 described above. In other words, the planar portion 332 may have a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape having rounded corners, etc.

In regards to the ring 328, the formation of the outer wall portion 312, the base 316, and the inner wall portion 322 form the ring 328. The ring 328 creates the circular movement, which facilitates the formation of a “perfect” or well-shaped (e.g., sphere shaped) ice cream scoop for dispensing in an ice cream cone or another container. In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ring 328 has a continuous arc like cross-section that starts at the perimeter 318 of the outer wall portion 312. The transition continues through the outer wall portion 312, the base portion 316, and through the inner wall portion 322 to the transition point 326 between the inner wall portion 322 and the flat portion 324. In this example embodiment, however, the ring 328 includes a first flat portion 336 disposed near a top portion of the outer wall 312 and a second flat portion 338 near a top portion of the inner wall portion 322. The first and second flat portions 336, 338 are substantially parallel with each other.

As shown in FIG. 4, the outer wall portion 312 has a height ‘H’ defined as a distance from the bottom exterior portion 334 of the base portion 316 to the perimeter 320 of the outer wall portion 312. In addition, the center projection has a height ‘h’ that is defined as a distance from the bottom exterior portion 334 of the base portion 316 to a top of the flat portion 324. In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the height ‘H’ is substantially the same as the height ‘h’.

The lid 350 is configured to cover the contents disposed in the body 310 and has a generally same shape as the body 310. That is the lid 350 may have a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape having rounded corners, etc. The lid 350 includes a lip 352 that engages the lip 320 on the perimeter 318 of the body 310 to secure the lid 350 to the body 310. When the lid 350 is attached to the top of the body 310, an inside surface 354 of the lid 350 contacts the flat portion 324 of the center projection 314. Thus, the flat portion 324 and the lid 350 are substantially parallel to each other when the lid 350 is attached to the body 310.

Referring to FIG. 5 with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a method of scooping a frozen content from a container will now be described. At 502, as described above, a container having a ring defined by a formation of an outer wall portion, a center projection, and a base that connects the outer wall portion and the center projection is provided. At 504, the frozen contents are pushed or forced in an outward direction from the center projection toward the outer wall portion. At 506, a device (e.g., utensil, such as but not limited to a spoon, ice cream scoop, etc.) is used to remove the frozen contents from the container. Specifically, the device is moved around the ring of the container. At 508, due to the configuration of the container described herein, a well-shaped scoop of the frozen contents is formed in the device.

What has been described above includes examples of the innovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the subject innovation, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the innovation are possible. Accordingly, the innovation is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A container comprising: an integrated body including: an outer wall portion having a top perimeter; a center projection having an inner wall portion and a substantially horizontal flat portion; and a base providing a connection between the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion, wherein a distance from a bottom portion of the base to the top perimeter is substantially the same as a distance from the bottom portion of the base to a top of the substantially horizontal flat portion.
 2. The container of claim 1 further comprising a lid that attaches to a top of the body wherein an inside surface of the lid contacts the substantially horizontal flat portion when the lid is attached to the top of the body.
 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the top perimeter includes a lip and the lid includes a lip that engages the top perimeter lip to secure the lid to the body.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein a transition from the top perimeter through the outer wall portion and through the base and through the inner wall portion to the substantially horizontal flat portion forms a ring.
 5. The container of claim 4, wherein the ring has a semi-circular cross section.
 6. The container of claim 4, wherein the ring includes a first flat portion and a second flat portion that is substantially parallel to the first flat portion.
 7. The container of claim 1 further comprising a planar portion attached to an exterior bottom of the base.
 8. The container of claim 7, wherein the planar portion is an integrated portion of the body.
 9. The container of claim 1, wherein the body has one of a circular shape, an oval shape, and a rectangular shape having rounded corners.
 10. A frozen content container comprising: a ring that facilitates a scooping motion for frozen contents including: an outer wall portion having a top perimeter; a center projection having an inner wall portion; and a base providing a connection between the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion, wherein the ring transitions from the top perimeter through the outer wall portion, through the base and to a top of the center projection, and wherein a distance from a bottom portion of the base to the top perimeter is substantially the same as a distance from the bottom portion of the base to a top of the center projection.
 11. The container of claim 10 further comprising a lid that attaches to the top perimeter wherein an inside surface of the lid contacts the top of the center projection when the lid is attached to the top perimeter.
 12. The container of claim 11, wherein the top perimeter includes a lip and the lid includes a lip that engages the top perimeter lip to secure the lid to the top perimeter.
 13. The container of claim 10, wherein the ring has a semi-circular cross section.
 14. The container of claim 10, wherein the ring includes a first flat portion and a second flat portion that is substantially parallel to the first flat portion.
 15. The container of claim 10 further comprising a planar portion attached to an exterior bottom of the base.
 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the planar portion is an integrated portion of the body.
 17. The container of claim 10, wherein the body has one of a circular shape, an oval shape, and a rectangular shape having rounded corners.
 18. The container of claim 10, wherein the center projection includes a substantially horizontal flat portion such that the substantially horizontal flat portion is substantially parallel to the lid when the lid is attached to the top perimeter.
 19. A method of scooping frozen contents from a container comprising: providing a container having a ring defined by a formation of an outer wall portion, a center projection, and a base that connects the outer wall portion and the center projection; forcing the frozen contents outward from the center projection toward the outer wall portion; moving a scoop around the ring of the container; and forming a well-shaped scoop of the frozen contents in the scoop.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the outer wall portion, the center projection, and the base are an integrated unit. 